FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressure fixing device applied to a shoe, and
more particularly to a pressure fixing device applied to a shoe and inflated by an
air pump
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, shoelaces are used in most shoes as a means of loosening, tying and fixing
the shoes on the feet. However, the shoes with shoelaces have many problems of inconvenience
when putting on it. For example, when the shoelaces are loosened while moving, they
have to be retied, resulting in inconvenience and waste of time. Furthermore, there
is also potential danger of wearing shoes with shoelaces. For example, when the shoelaces
are accidentally loosened, other people may trip over it, or the shoelaces may be
involved in the gap of an escalator, a bicycle chain or a motorcycle pin etc., which
may cause accidents. In addition, wearing the shoes with shoelaces in long term may
put excessive pressure on the feet and cause discomfort.
[0003] Some shoes use other ways, such as a hook and loop fastener or a sock-type shoe body,
as a means of loosening, tying, and fixing the feet. However, the hook and loop fastener
has insufficient fixity, and is easily detached. The viscosity of the hook and loop
fastener may decrease after using for a long period of time, resulting in inconvenience
while moving, and the shoes with the hook and loop fastener are inappropriate for
wearing during exercise. The sock-type shoe body also has insufficient strength to
fix the feet, and the tightness cannot be adjusted according to the requirements.
After using for a long period of time, the sock-type shoe body may be loose, and the
requirement of fixing the feet is failed to be achieved.
[0004] On the other hand, in general, the topline opening of a conventional footwear is
mainly designed based on its functionality. For example, sports shoes usually have
a narrower topline opening so as to provide the better coverage and avoid being detached
during the movement. However, the design of the narrower topline opening in the sports
shoes doesn't facilitate the user's foot to fit with the shoe. If the topline opening
of shoe is forced to widen for convenience of wearing, it will cause the topline opening
to loosen and loss the functions of wrapping and protection. Alternatively, for example,
casual shoes usually have a wider topline opening so as to aid the users to wear or
take off easily. However, the design of the wider topline opening in the casual shoes
will cause the user's foot to detach from the shoe easily, or increase the risks of
injuring the user's foot or damaging the shoe.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need of providing a pressure fixing device to solve the drawbacks
in prior arts, which can be applied to each of a pair of shoes and making the shoe
automatically adjustable to be adapted to the personal foot shapes and comfortably
wrap and fix the feet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present disclosure provides a pressure fixing device applied to
a shoe. The topline opening disposed on each of a pair of shoes can be adjustable
to wrap the foot comfortably. Simultaneously, it achieves the benefits of aiding to
wear/take off the shoes and fixing the foot well while wearing.
[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pressure
fixing device applied to a shoe. The shoe includes a shoe body and a bottom part.
The shoe body includes plural eyelets. The bottom part is connected to the shoe body
to define a wear space collaboratively. The pressure fixing device includes an inflatable
shoe tongue, a first air pump and a control module. The inflatable shoe tongue is
connected to the shoe body. The inflatable shoe tongue is an inflatable and expandable
structure with an air. An opening is collaboratively defined by the inflatable shoe
tongue and the shoe body. The opening is in communication with the wear space. The
first air pump is in communication with the inflatable shoe tongue. The control module
is electrically connected to the first air pump. The control module drives the air
flowing out of the inflatable shoe tongue according to a second enabling signal so
that the inflatable shoe tongue shrinks in a first direction toward the wear space
to attach to a user's instep. The control module drives the first air pump to pump
the air flowing into the inflatable shoe tongue according to a first enabling signal,
so that the inflatable shoe tongue expands and bulges in a second direction away from
the wear space to enlarge the opening.
[0008] The above contents of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to
those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description
and accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a pressure fixing device applied
to a shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the shoe according to the preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an inflatable shoelace of the pressure fixing device
according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4A schematically illustrates an inflatable shoelace in an initial status according
to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4A to be inflated
and expanded;
FIG. 4D schematically illustrates an inflatable shoelace in an initial status according
to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4E schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4D to be inflated
and expanded;
FIG. 4F schematically illustrates an inflatable shoelace in an initial status according
to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4G schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4F to be inflated
and expanded;
FIG. 4H schematically illustrates an inflatable shoelace in an initial status according
to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4I schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4H to be inflated
and expanded;
FIG. 4J schematically illustrates an inflatable shoelace in an initial status according
to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4K schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4J to be inflated
and expanded;
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inflatable shoe tongue of FIG.
2 in an inflated and expanded status and taken along the line AA;
FIG. 5B schematically illustrates the inflatable shoe tongue of FIG. 5A in an initial
status;
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inflatable shoe tongue according
to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6B schematically illustrates an outer airbag of the inflatable shoe tongue of
FIG. 6A in an inflated and expanded status;
FIG. 6C schematically illustrates an inner airbag of the inflatable shoe tongue of
FIG. 6A in an inflated and expanded status;
FIG. 7A schematically illustrates the structure of the pressure fixing device applied
to the shoe according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7B schematically illustrates the structure of the pressure fixing device applied
to the shoe according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the flow of the air in the pressure fixing device
according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shoe in an initial status according
to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shoe in a wearing status according
to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10A is a front exploded view illustrating the air pump according to a preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10B is a rear exploded view illustrating the air pump according to the preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11A is a front view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of FIGS. 10A and
10B;
FIG. 11B is a rear view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of FIGS. 10A and 10B;
FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of FIGS.
10A and 10B;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump of FIGS. 10A and 10B;
FIGS. 13A to 13D illustrate an operating process of the air pump according to a preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14A is a front cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump according to another
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 14B is a rear cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump of FIG. 14A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] The present disclosure will now be described more specifically with reference to
the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred
embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration and
description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise
form disclosed.
[0011] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating
a pressure fixing device applied to a shoe according to a preferred embodiment of
the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the shoe according
to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure
fixing device 1 of the present disclosure can be applied to various types of footwear,
such as sports shoes, sandals, or high-heeled shoes, but is not limited thereto. In
this embodiment, the pressure fixing device 1 is described by taking a sports shoe
2 as an example. The sports shoe 2 includes a shoe body 21 and a bottom part 22. As
shown in FIG. 2, the shoe body 21 includes a plurality of eyelets 21a for a variety
of shoelaces to wear therein. The bottom part 22 further includes a shoe pad 22a and
a shoe sole 22b, wherein the shoe body 21 and the shoe sole 22b of the bottom part
22 are connected with each other, so as to define a wear space 23 collaboratively.
The shoe pad 22a is disposed within and spatially corresponding to the wear space
23. Furthermore, the shoe pad 22a and the shoe sole 22b are connected with each other.
The profile of the shoe pad 22a is substantially the same as the profile of the shoe
sole 22b, but the outline of the shoe pad 22a is slightly smaller than that of the
shoe sole 22b. The appearance and thickness of the shoe pad 22a and the shoe sole
22b can be adjustable according to the practical requirements.
[0012] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 again. In this embodiment, the pressure fixing device
1 of the present disclosure includes an inflatable shoelace 10, an inflatable shoe
tongue 11, a first air pump 12, a second air pump 12', an airbag unit 14, a control
module 15, and a battery 16, but not limited thereto. The inflatable shoe tongue 11
is connected to the shoe body 21, and an opening 24 is collaboratively defined by
the inflatable shoe tongue 11 and the shoe body 21. A user's foot can be inserted
into or detached from the sports shoe 2 via the opening 24 of the shoe body 21. When
the user's foot is inserted into the interior of the sports shoe 2 through the opening
24, the user's foot can be accommodated in the wear space 23. The airbag 14 is attached
to the inflatable shoe tongue 11, adjacent to one side of the inflatable shoe tongue
11, and in communication with the inflatable shoe tongue 11. The inflatable shoelace
10 is attached to the inflatable tongue 11 and adjacent to another side of the inflatable
shoe tongue 11, but not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the first air pump 12
is a one-way inlet air pump, but not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the control
module 15 and the battery 16 are disposed between the shoe pad 22a and the shoe sole
22b of the bottom part 22. The control module 15 is electrically connected to the
first air pump 12 and the second air pump 12'. The battery 16 is used to provide electrical
power to the control module 15.
[0013] Please also refer to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an inflatable
shoelace of the pressure fixing device according to the preferred embodiment of the
present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment, the inflatable shoelace
10 is an inflatable and expandable structure with an air and in communication with
the airbag 14 through the first air passage 13a and the second air passage 13b for
transferring the air. The airbag 14 is attached on an outer surface of the inflatable
shoe tongue 11. The inflatable shoelace 10 runs through the plural eyelets 21a of
the shoe body 21. The first air passage 13a and the second air passage 13b are in
communication between the airbag 14 and the inflatable shoelace 10, respectively.
The first air pump 12 is disposed within and in communication with the first air passage
13a, and the first air pump 12 is electrically connected to the control module 15
to introduce the air from the inflatable shoelace 10 into the airbag 14, so that the
inflatable shoelace 10 is deflated and loosened. Thus, it aids the user to wear or
take off the sports shoe 2 easily. In addition, the second air pump 12' is disposed
within and in communication with the second air passage 13b, and the second air pump
12' is electrically connected to the control module 15 to introduce the air from the
airbag 14 into the inflatable shoelace 10, so that the air introduced from the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 and the airbag 14 is filled into the inflatable shoelace 10. The air
is quickly filled into the inflatable shoelace 10, and the inflatable shoelace 10
is expanded and tightened to completely attach to the upper portion of the user's
instep, namely, the connecting periphery between the user's instep and the ankle.
Thus, it aids the user's foot to be wrapped and fixed firmly in the shoe 2. In addition,
with the two-section configuration of the inflatable shoelace 10 and the airbag 14,
it prevents the shoe body 21 of the shoe 2 to be bent from pressing the user's foot
uncomfortably during exercise, so as to achieve the benefits of comfort and safety.
Therefore, the air is controlled to flow between the inflatable shoelace 10 and the
inflatable shoe tongue 11 and between the inflatable shoelace 10 and the airbag 14
by the first air pump 12 and the second air pump 12', and the inflatable shoelace
10 is loosened or tightened, so as to achieve the benefits of aiding to wear/take
off the shoes and fixing the foot well when putting on it.
[0014] Please also refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A schematically illustrates an inflatable
shoelace in an initial status according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C schematically
illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4A to be inflated and expanded. As shown
in FIG. 4A, in the first embodiment, the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes at
least one lacing part 10a and at least one connecting part 10b. In the embodiment,
three lacing parts 10a and two connecting parts 10b are described, but the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. The number and arrangement thereof can be adjusted
according to the practical requirements. Further as shown in FIG. 4B, in the embodiment,
each lacing part 10a includes two through holes 10e disposed on two ends thereof,
respectively. The connecting part 10b includes through holes (not shown) correspondingly
disposed on the surface thereof. The lacing part 10a and the connecting part 10b are
in communication with each other via the through hole 10e, thereby allowing the air
to flow between them. When the air is introduced into the inflatable shoelace 10,
the inflatable shoelace 10 is inflated and expanded, as shown in FIG. 4C. With the
three lacing parts 10a of the inflatable shoelace 10 to be inflated and inwardly compressed,
it achieves the same tensioning effect as provided by the conventional shoelace. Since
the inflatable shoelace 10 is an inflatable and expandable structure, the elasticity
of the inflatable shoelace 10 is better and it avoids the uncomfortable feeling due
to the poor elasticity when fastened as the conventional shoelace does. When the air
is led out of the inflatable shoelace 10, the inflatable shoelace 10 is deflated and
loosened to return to the initial state, as shown in FIG. 4A. With the three lacing
parts 10a of the inflatable shoelace 10 to be deflated and loosened outwardly, it
achieves the same unfastening effect as provided by the conventional shoelace and
aids the user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily. In addition, in the embodiment,
the inflatable shoelace 10 is an artificial-muscle air-inflated shoelace, made of
an electroactive polymer, such as the amino acid, which is a smart polymer materials
that can be controlled by the electric energy. The internal structure of the material
can be stretched, bent, tightened or expanded, and has the bio-muscle-like elasticity
and softness. By the properties of being inflatable, expandable or able to be tightened
up, the artificial-muscle air-inflated shoelace provides the user with an excellent
wearing experience of the sports shoe 2.
[0015] Please refer to FIGS. 4D and 4E. FIG. 4D schematically illustrates an inflatable
shoelace in an initial status according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4E schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4D to be inflated
and expanded. As shown in FIG. 4D, in the second embodiment, the lacing part 10a of
the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes plural expandable sections 10f, plural
communication sections 10g and two through holes 10e. The plural communication sections
10g are disposed in an up-and-down staggered arrangement having plural communication
sections 10g arranged alternately with each other without aligning on the same line.
Each communication section 10g is connected between the two adjacent expandable sections
10f, and each gap 10h is defined between two adjacent expandable sections 10f, so
that a strip-like shoelace structure with the plural "inverted S-shaped" links is
formed, but not limited thereto. The two through holes 10e are disposed on two ends
of the lacing part 10a, but not limited thereto. When the air is introduced into the
inflatable shoelace 10 via the through holes 10e, the plural expandable sections 10f
and the plural communication sections 10g are inflated and expanded and the plural
gaps 10h are compressed to make the lacing part 10a inflated and inwardly compressed,
as shown in FIG. 4E. It achieves the tensioning same effect as provided by the conventional
shoelace, so as to fix and fit with the user's foot. Alternatively, when the air is
led out of the inflatable shoelace 10, the lacing part 10a of the inflatable shoelace
10 is deflated and loosened to return to the initial state, as shown in FIG. 4D. With
the lacing parts 10a to be deflated and loosened, it achieves the same unfastening
effect as provided by the conventional shoelace and aids the user to wear or take
off the sports shoe 2 easily.
[0016] Please refer to FIGS. 4F and 4G. FIG. 4F schematically illustrates an inflatable
shoelace in an initial status according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4G schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4F to be inflated
and expanded. As shown in FIG. 4F, in the third embodiment, the lacing part 10a of
the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes plural expandable sections 10f, plural
communication sections 10g and two through holes 10e. Each communication section 10g
is connected between the two adjacent expandable sections 10f, and plural gaps 10h
are defined between two adjacent expandable sections 10f, respectively, so that a
strip-like shoelace structure is formed, but not limited thereto. The two through
holes 10e are disposed on two ends of the lacing part 10a, but not limited thereto.
When the air is introduced into the inflatable shoelace 10 via the through holes 10e,
the plural expandable sections 10f and the plural communication sections 10g are inflated
and expanded and the plural gaps 10h are compressed to make the lacing part 10a inflated
and inwardly compressed, as shown in FIG. 4G. It achieves the same tensioning effect
as provided by the conventional shoelace, so as to fix and fit with the user's foot.
Alternatively, when the air is led out of the inflatable shoelace 10, the lacing part
10a of the inflatable shoelace 10 is deflated and loosened to return to the initial
state, as shown in FIG. 4F. With the lacing parts 10a to be deflated and loosened,
it achieves the same unfastening effect as provided by the conventional shoelace and
aids the user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily.
[0017] Please refer to FIGS. 4H and 4I. FIG. 4H schematically illustrates an inflatable
shoelace in an initial status according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4I schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4H to be inflated
and expanded. As shown in FIG. 4H, in the fourth embodiment, the lacing part 10a of
the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes two through holes 10e, plural expandable
sections 10f, plural communication sections 10g and an outer portion 10i. The plural
expandable sections 10f and the plural communication sections 10g are disposed in
the outer portion 10i, and in communication with each other. The two through holes
10e are disposed on two ends of the outer portion 10i, and the plural expandable sections
10f disposed on two ends of the outer portion 10i are in communication with the two
through holes 10e for the flow of the air. Each communication section 10g is connected
between the two adjacent expandable sections 10f, and plural gaps 10h are defined
between two adjacent expandable sections 10f, respectively, so that a strip-like shoelace
structure is formed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the air
is introduced into the inflatable shoelace 10 via the through holes 10e, the plural
expandable sections 10f and the plural communication sections 10g are inflated and
expanded and the plural gaps 10h are compressed to make the lacing part 10a inflated
and inwardly compressed, as shown in FIG. 4I. It achieves the same tensioning effect
as provided by the conventional shoelace, so as to fix and fit with the user's foot.
Alternatively, when the air is led out of the inflatable shoelace 10, the lacing part
10a of the inflatable shoelace 10 is deflated and loosened to return to the initial
state, as shown in FIG. 4H. With the lacing parts 10a to be deflated and loosened,
it achieves the same unfastening effect as provided by the conventional shoelace and
aids the user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily. In some embodiments, the
inflatable shoelace 10 can also be used alone to replace the shoelaces of the conventional
footwear, and the lacing portion 10a of the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes
an inlet nozzle 10j. The inlet nozzle 10j is also in communication with the expandable
sections 10f through the communication sections 10g for connecting to an external
pumping device, such as an air pump, an inflator and so on.
[0018] Please refer to FIGS. 4J and 4K. FIG. 4J schematically illustrates an inflatable
shoelace in an initial status according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4K schematically illustrates the inflatable shoelace of FIG. 4J to be inflated
and expanded. As shown in FIG. 4J, in the fifth embodiment, the lacing part 10a of
the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes two through holes 10e, plural expandable
sections 10f, plural communication sections 10g and an outer portion 10i. The plural
expandable sections 10f and the plural communication sections 10g are disposed in
the outer portion 10i, and in communication with each other. The two through holes
10e are disposed on two ends of the outer portion 10i, and the plural expandable sections
10f disposed on two ends of the outer portion 10i are in communication with the two
through holes 10e for the flow of the air. Each communication section 10g is connected
between the two adjacent expandable sections 10f, and plural gaps 10h are defined
between two adjacent expandable sections 10f, respectively, so that a strip-like shoelace
structure is formed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the air
is introduced into the inflatable shoelace 10, the lacing part 10a of the inflatable
shoelace 10 is inflated and expanded, and the plural expandable sections 10f and the
plural communication sections 10g of the inflatable shoelace 10 are inflated and expanded
and the plural gaps 10h are compressed to make the lacing part 10a inflated and inwardly
compressed, as shown in FIG. 4K. It achieves the same tensioning effect as provided
by the conventional shoelace, so as to fix and fit with the user's foot. Alternatively,
when the air is led out of the inflatable shoelace 10, the lacing part 10a of the
inflatable shoelace 10 is deflated and loosened to return to the initial state, as
shown in FIG. 4J. With the lacing parts 10a to be deflated and loosened, it achieves
the same unfastening effect as provided by the conventional shoelace and aids the
user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily. In some embodiments, the inflatable
shoelace 10 can also be used alone to replace the shoelaces of the conventional footwear,
and the lacing portion 10a of the inflatable shoelace 10 further includes an inlet
nozzle 10j. The inlet nozzle 10j is also in communication with the communication sections
10g for connecting to an external pumping device, such as an air pump, an inflator
and so on.
[0019] Please refer to FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating
the inflatable shoe tongue of FIG. 2 in an inflated and expanded status and taken
along the line AA. FIG. 5B schematically illustrates the inflatable shoe tongue of
FIG. 5A in an initial status. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 is an inflatable and expandable structure with the air, and connected
with the shoe body 21. The inflatable shoe tongue 11 is disposed and spatially corresponding
to the user's instep, but not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 5A, the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 includes an outer surface 11c having plural protrusions 11a. Each two
adjacent protrusions 11a includes a gap 11b disposed therebetween. When the air is
introduced into the inflatable shoe tongue 11, the inflatable shoe tongue 11 is inflated
and expanded. With the plural protrusions 11a on the outer surface 11c to be expanded
to protrude outwardly, it makes the inflatable shoe tongue 11 to protrude and bulge
in a second direction away from the wear space 23 and the opening 24 is enlarged,
so as to aid the user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily. Afterward, as
shown in FIG. 5B, when the air is led out of the inflatable shoe tongue 11, the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 is deflated and compressed inwardly. With the plural protrusions 11a
on the outer surface 11c to be compressed inwardly, it make the inflatable shoe tongue
11 to shrink in a first direction toward the wear space 23 to return to the initial
statue as shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, the user's foot is fixed in the sports shoe 2 firmly.
[0020] Please refer to FIGS. 6A to 6C. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
inflatable shoe tongue according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6B schematically illustrates an outer airbag of the inflatable shoe tongue of
FIG. 6A in an inflated and expanded status. FIG. 6C schematically illustrates an inner
airbag of the inflatable shoe tongue of FIG. 6A in an inflated and expanded status.
As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, in another embodiment, the inflatable shoe tongue 11 includes
an outer airbag 111, an inner airbag 112 and a two-way valve 113. The outer airbag
111 includes an outer surface 111c having plural protrusions 111a protruding outwardly,
and a gap 111b is disposed between each two adjacent protrusions 111a of the outer
airbag 111. The inner airbag 112 includes an inner surface 112c having plural protrusions
112a protruding inwardly, and a gap 112b is disposed between each two adjacent protrusion
112a of the inner airbag 112. The two-way valve 113 is a two-way air intake structure
and in communication between the outer airbag 111 and the inner airbag 112. The two-way
valve 113 is electrically connected with the control module 15. With the two-way valve
113 to introduce the air into the plural protrusions 111a of the outer airbag 111,
it makes the outer airbag 111 expanded in the second direction to protrude outwardly
to move the inflatable shoe tongue 11 away from the wear space 23, and the opening
24 is expanded, so as to aid the user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily.
Alternatively, with the two-way valve 113 to introduce the air into the plural protrusions
112a of the inner airbag 112, it make the inner airbag 112 expanded in the first direction
to protrude inwardly to move the inflatable shoe tongue 11 toward the wear space 23,
and the opening 24 and the wear space 23 are shrunk inwardly, so as to aid the user's
foot to be fixed in the sports shoe 2 firmly. Therefore, with the configuration of
the outer airbag 111, the inner airbag 112 and the two-way valve 113, the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 can be controlled to protrude inwardly or outwardly, and the effects
of fastening and loosening can be achieved by using the inflatable shoe tongue 11
of the pressure fixing device 1 without the shoelaces.
[0021] Please refer to FIGS. 7A, 8, 9A and 9B. FIG. 7A schematically illustrates the structure
of the pressure fixing device applied to the shoe according to the preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the flow of the air in
the pressure fixing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shoe in an initial status according
to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional
view illustrating the shoe in a wearing status according to the preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7A, the pressure fixing device 1 further
includes a switch 17. The switch 17 is electrically connected to the control module
15. The switch 17 is provided for the user to control the pressure fixing device 1.
For describing the specific implementation, please refer to FIGS 7A to 9B. When the
user's foot is inserted into the wear space 23 of the sports shoe 2, the user turns
on the switch 17 and the switch 17 sends the second enabling signal to the control
module 15, so that the control module 15 enables the second air pump 12' to operate
according the second enabling signal. Consequently, the air is introduced from the
inflatable shoe tongue 11 and the airbag 14 into the inflatable shoelace 10, the inflatable
shoe tongue 10 shrinks in the first direction toward the wear space 23 and the inflatable
shoelace 10 is expanded and tighten to attach to the user's instep. Alternatively,
when the user's foot has to get out of the sports shoe 2, the user turns off the switch
17 and the switch 17 sends a first enabling signal to the control module 15, so that
the control module 15 enables the first air pump 12 to operate according to the first
enabling signal. Consequently, the air is introduced from the inflatable shoelace
10 into the inflatable shoe tongue 11 and the airbag 14, the inflatable shoelace 10
is deflated and loosened, and the inflatable shoe tongue 11 is expanded due to the
air inflated and protrudes away from the wear space 23. Meanwhile, the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 has an end adjacent to the airbag 14 to be pressed and another end
to be lifted, so that the opening 24 collaboratively defined by the inflatable shoe
tongue 11 and the shoe body 21 is expanded. It aids the user to wear or take off the
sports shoe 2 easily (as shown in FIG. 9A). In addition, the switch 17 is this embodiment
can be disposed in the shoe body 21 (not shown), but not limited thereto.
[0022] Moreover, please refer to FIG. 7B. FIG. 7B schematically illustrates the structure
of the pressure fixing device applied to the shoe according to another preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7B, the pressure fixing device 1 further
includes a weight sensor 17'. The weight sensor 17' is electrically connected to the
control module 15. In the embodiment, the weight sensor 17' can be disposed in the
bottom part 22 of the sports shoe 2, but not limited thereto. When the user's foot
is inserted into and received in the wear space 23 of the sports shoe 2 and the weight
sensor 17' detects a pressing force, the weight sensor 17' sends the second enabling
signal to the control module 15 and the control module 15 enables the second air pump
12' to operate according the second enabling signal. Consequently, the air is introduced
from the inflatable shoe tongue 11 into the inflatable shoelace 10, the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 shrinks in the first direction toward the wear space 23 and the inflatable
shoelace 10 is expanded and tighten to attach to the user's instep. After the user's
foot is accommodated in the sports shoe 2, the inflatable shoelace 10 of the sports
shoe 2 is inflated and pressed inwardly to achieve the effect of automatic fixing.
[0023] In the embodiment, the pressure fixing device 1 further includes a first air pressure
sensor (not show). The first air pressure sensor is disposed within the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 and electrically connected with the control module 15. When the first
air pressure sensor detects that the inflatable shoe tongue 11 has an internal pressure
higher than a specific threshold interval, the first air pressure sensor sends a first
disabling signal to the control module 15 and the control module 15 disables the first
air pump 12 to stop operating according to the first disabling signal. Thus, it prevents
the inflatable shoe tongue 11 from getting broken caused by the excessive pressure,
and prevents the first air pump 12 from reducing its service life caused by the continuous
operation for a long time. Moreover, in the embodiment, the pressure fixing device
1 further includes a second air pressure sensor (not shown). The second air pressure
sensor is disposed within the inflatable shoelace 10 and electrically connected to
the control module 15. When the second air pressure sensor detects that the inflatable
shoelace 10 has an internal pressure higher than the specific threshold interval,
the second air pressure sensor sends a second disabling signal to the control module
15 and the control module 15 disables the second air pump 12' to stop operating according
to the second disabling signal. Thus, it prevents the inflatable shoelace 10 from
getting broken caused by the excessive pressure, and prevents the second air pump
12' from reducing the service life caused by the continuous operation for a long time.
In addition, the pressure fixing device 1 further includes an inlet valve (not shown)
embedded in the outer surface 11c of the inflatable shoe tongue 11 and electrically
connected to the control module 15. When the first air pressure sensor or the second
air pressure sensor detects that the internal pressure of the inflatable shoelace
10 or the inflatable shoe tongue 11 is lower than the specific threshold interval,
the first air pressure sensor or the second air pressure sensor sends a gas-filling
signal to the control module 15 and the control module 15 drives the inlet valve according
to the gas-filling signal to introduce the air from outside into the inflatable shoe
tongue 11 of the pressure fixing device 1. Thus, it prevents the inner pressure of
the inflatable shoelace 10 or the inflatable shoe tongue 11 from being too low to
achieve the fixing effect.
[0024] In other embodiments, the inflatable shoelace 10 of the pressure fixing device 1
can be replaced by the conventional shoelace, and the pressure fixing device 1 can
achieve the effect of fixing or unfastening by using the inflatable shoe tongue 11
merely. In such one embodiment, the first air pump 12 and the second air pump 12'
are in communication between the outside of the pressure fixing device 1 and the inflatable
shoe tongue 11. With the first air pump 12 to lead the air out of the inflatable shoe
tongue 11 and the airbag 14 of the pressure fixing device 1, the inflatable shoe tongue
11 is shrunk toward the wear space 23 to fit with the user's foot. Alternatively,
with the second air pump 12' to introduce the air from the outside into the inflatable
shoe tongue 11 and the airbag 14, the inflatable shoe tongue 11 is expanded due to
the inflated air and protrudes in the second direction away from the wear space 23
to enlarge the opening 24, thereby aiding the user to wear the sports shoe 2 easily.
[0025] Please refer to FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A is a front exploded view illustrating
the air pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B
is a rear exploded view illustrating the air pump according to the preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure. In the embodiment, the first air pump 12 is a piezoelectric
air pump for driving the flow of the air. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first
air pump 12 of the present disclosure includes a resonance plate 122, a piezoelectric
actuator 123 and the cover plate 126. The resonance plate 122 is disposed spatially
corresponding to the piezoelectric actuator 123. The resonance plate 122 includes
a central aperture 1220 and a movable part (not shown). The central aperture 1220
is disposed on the central area of the resonance plate 122, but not limited thereto.
The movable part is disposed around the central aperture 1220, so that the movable
part of the resonance plate is reciprocated along with the piezoelectric actuator
to generate a resonance air flowing. The piezoelectric actuator 123 includes a suspension
plate 1231, an outer frame 1232 and a piezoelectric element 1233. The suspension plate
1231 can be but not limited to a square suspension plate with a bulge 1231e. The suspension
plate 1231 includes a central portion 1231c and a peripheral portion 1231d. When a
voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 1233, the suspension plate 1231 is
subjected to a bending vibration from the central portion 1231c to the peripheral
portion 1231d. The outer frame 1232 is arranged outside around the suspension plate
1231 and includes at least one bracket 1232a and a conducting pin 1232b, but not limited
thereto. Each bracket 1232a includes two ends connected between the suspension plate
1231 and the outer frame 1232 for providing an elastically supporting. The conducting
pin 1232b protrudes outwardly from the outer frame 1232 for an electrically external
connection. The piezoelectric element 1233 is attached to a second surface 1231b of
the suspension plate 1231. The length of a side of the piezoelectric element 1233
is equal to or less than the length of a side of the suspension plate 1231, so as
to receive the applied voltage and generate the deformation to drive the bending vibration
of the suspension plate 1231. The cover plate 126 includes at least one sidewall 1261,
a bottom plate 1262 and an opening portion 1263. The sidewalls 1261 surrounds and
protrudes vertically from a periphery of the bottom plate 1262, so as to define an
accommodation space 126a by the sidewalls 1261 and the bottom plate 1262 collaboratively.
The resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 are accommodated within
the accommodation space 126a. The opening portion 1263 is disposed on the sidewall
1261 so that the conducting pin 1232b of the outer frame 1232 passes through the opening
portion 1263 and protrudes out of the cover plate 126. It's beneficial for the conducting
pin 1232b to connect with an external power, but the present disclosure is not limited
thereto.
[0026] In the embodiment, the first air pump 12 of the present disclosure further includes
a first insulation plate 1241, a second insulation plate 1242 and a conducting plate
125, but not limited thereto. The first insulation plate 1241 and the second insulation
plate 1242 are disposed on the top and the bottom of the conducting plate 125, respectively,
and have the profiles substantially matching the profile of the outer frame 1232 of
the piezoelectric actuator 123. The first insulation plate 1241 and the second insulation
plate 1242 can be made of an insulating material, for example but not limited to a
plastic material, for providing insulating efficacy. The conducting plate 125 is made
of an electrically conductive material, for example but not limited to a metallic
material, for providing electrically conducting efficacy. The conducting plate 125
has its profile substantially matching the profile of the outer frame 1232 of the
piezoelectric actuator 123, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Moreover,
the conducting plate 125 may have a conducting pin 1251 for an electrically external
conduction. The conducting pin 1251 is similar to the conducting pin 1232b of the
outer frame 1232 to pass through the opening portion 1263 and protrude out of the
cover plate 126 for electrically connecting to the control module 15.
[0027] Please refer to FIGS. 11A to 11C. FIG. 11A is a front view illustrating the piezoelectric
actuator of FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 11B is a rear view illustrating the piezoelectric
actuator of FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
piezoelectric actuator of FIGS. 10A and 10B. As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, in the
embodiment, the suspension plate 1231 has a stepped structure. The suspension plate
1231 further includes a bulge 1231e disposed on the central portion 1231c of the first
surface 1231a. The bulge 1231e can be a circular protrusion structure, but not limited
thereto. In some embodiment, the suspension plate 1231 can be a double-sided planar
square plate. Further as shown in FIG. 11C, the bulge 1231e of the suspension plate
1231 and the first surface 1232c of the outer frame 1232 are coplanar, and the first
surface 1231a of the suspension plate 1231 and the first surface 1232a' of the bracket
1232a are coplanar. In addition, the bulge 1231e of the suspension plate 1231 and
the first surface 1232c of the outer frame 1232 have a specific depth relative to
the first surface 1231a of the suspension plate 1231 and the first surface 1232a'
of the bracket 1232a. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the second surface 1231b of the
suspension plate 1231, the second surface 1232d of the outer frame 1232 and the second
surface 1232a" of the bracket 1232a are formed as a flat coplanar structure. The piezoelectric
element 1233 is attached to the flat second surface 1231b of the suspension plate
1231. In some embodiments, the suspension plate 1231 can be a double-sided planar
square plate, but not limited thereto. It is adjustable according to the practical
requirements. In some embodiment, the suspension plate 1231, the outer frame 1232
and the bracket 1232a can be formed as an integrated structure, and made of a metal
plate, for example but not limited to a stainless steel plate. Moreover, in the embodiment,
the first air pump 12 further includes at least one interspace 1234 disposed among
the suspension plate 1231, the outer frame 1232 and the bracket 1232a for the air
passing therethrough.
[0028] Please refer to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump
of FIGS. 10A and 10B. As shown in FIG. 12, the first air pump 12 includes the cover
plate 126, the second insulation plate 1242, the conducting plate 125, the first insulation
plate 1241, the piezoelectric actuator 123 and the resonance plate 122 stacked on
each other from top to bottom sequentially. After the piezoelectric actuator 123,
the first insulation plate 1241, the conducting plate 125 and the second insulation
plate 1242 are assembled and stacked, an adhesive 128 is coated around the periphery
of the assembled structure to accomplish sealing. The assembled first air pump 12
is a quadrilateral structure, but not limited thereto. The shape can be adjustable
according to the practical requirements. In addition, in the embodiment, the conducting
pin 1251 of the conducting plate 125 and the conducting pin 1232b (shown in FIG. 10A)
of the piezoelectric actuator 123 protrude out of the cover plate 126 merely for electrically
connecting with an external power, but not limited thereto. The first chamber 127b
is formed between the cover plate 126 and the resonance plate 122 in the assembled
first air pump 12.
[0029] In the embodiment, the first air pump 12 of the present disclosure includes a gap
g0 disposed between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123, and
a conductive material, for example but not limited to a conductive adhesive, is filled
into the gap g0. Consequently, the depth of the gap g0 between the resonance plate
122 and the bulge 1231e of the suspension plate 1231 of the piezoelectric actuator
123 is maintained, which is capable of guiding the air to flow more quickly. Moreover,
due to the proper distance between the bulge 1231e of the suspension plate 1231 and
the resonance plate 122, the contact interference is reduced and thus the generated
noise is largely reduced. In other embodiments, by adding the height of the outer
frame 1232 of the piezoelectric actuator 123, a gap is added when the outer frame
1232 is assembled with the resonance plate 122, but the present disclosure is not
limited thereto. Thus, when the piezoelectric actuator 123 is driven to converge the
air, the air is transferred from the opening portion 1263 of the cover plate 126 to
the convergence chamber 127a, and then temporarily stored in the first chamber 127b
through the central aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122. When the piezoelectric
actuator 123 is driven to discharge the air, the air is transferred from the first
chamber 127b to the convergence chamber 127a through the central aperture 1220 of
the resonance plate 122, and introduced into the inflatable shoe tongue 11 through
the inflatable shoelace 10.
[0030] The operating process of the first air pump 12 is further described in the following.
Please refer to FIGS. 13A to 13D. FIGS. 13A to 13D illustrate an operating process
of the air pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. Firstly,
as shown in FIG. 13A, the structure of the first air pump 12 is similar to that in
the foregoing descriptions and assembled and stacked sequentially by the order of
the cover plate 126, the second insulation plate 1242, the conducting plate 125, the
first insulation plate 1241, the piezoelectric actuator 123 and the resonance plate
122. There is a gap g0 formed between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric
actuator 123. Moreover, the resonance plate 122 and the sidewalls 1261 of the cover
plate 126 collaboratively define the convergence chamber 127a. The first chamber 127b
is formed between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 spaced
apart by the gap g0. When the first air pump 12 has not been driven by a voltage,
the positions of the components are illustrated in FIG. 13A.
[0031] Further as shown in FIG. 13B, when the piezoelectric actuator 123 of the first pump
12 is driven by a voltage and vibrates upwardly, the air is introduced from the opening
portion 1263 of the cover plate 126 into the first air pump 12 and converges to the
convergence chamber 127a. Simultaneously, the resonance plate 122 is influenced by
the resonance of the suspension plate 1231 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 to generate
a reciprocating vibration. Namely, the resonance plate 122 is deformed upwardly. The
resonance plate 122 protrudes slightly at central aperture 1220.
[0032] Afterward, as shown in FIG. 13C, the piezoelectric actuator 123 vibrates downwardly
to the original position. Meanwhile, the bulge 1231e of the suspension plate 1231
of the piezoelectric actuator 123 is close to the upward protruded portion of the
resonance plate 122 at the central aperture 1220. It makes the air in the first air
pump 12 temporarily stored in the upper half layer of the first chamber 127b.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 13D, the piezoelectric actuator 123 further vibrates downwardly
and the resonance plate 122 also vibrates downwardly due to the resonance of the piezoelectric
actuator 123. With the downward deformation of the resonance plate 122 to shrink the
volume of the first chamber 127b, the air in the upper half layer of the first chamber
127b is pushed to flow toward the both sides and pass through the interspace 1234
of the piezoelectric actuator 123 downwardly, so as to be transferred to the central
aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122 and compressed to discharge. With the visible
aspect of this embodiment, when the resonance plate 122 performs the vertical reciprocating
vibration, the gap g0 between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator
123 facilitates to increase the maximum distance in the vertical displacement. In
other words, the gap g0 disposed between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric
actuator 123 allows the resonance plate 122 to generate a greater amplitude of the
up and down displacement when it is in resonance.
[0034] Finally, the resonance plate 122 returns to the original position as shown in FIG.
13A. With the above described operating process, the circulation in the order of FIGS
13A to 13D is maintained continuously. The air is fed from the opening portion 1263
of the cover plate 126 into the convergence chamber 127a and then flows to the first
chamber 127b. Afterward, the air is further transferred from the first chamber 127b
to the convergence chamber 127a, so that the air flows from the inflatable shoelace
10 to the inflatable shoe tongue 11 continuously and is transferred stably. In other
words, when the first air pump 12 of the present disclosure is operated, the air flows
through the opening portion 1263 of the cover plate 126, the convergence chamber 127a,
the first chamber 127b, the convergence chamber 127a and the inlet opening 204 sequentially.
Therefore, the first air pump 12 of the present disclosure provides a single component,
the cover plate 126, and utilizes the structural design of the opening portion 1263
of the cover plate 126, so that the number of components of the first air pump 12
can be reduced, and the entire process can be simplified.
[0035] Please refer FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. 14A is a front cross-sectional view illustrating
the air pump according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14B is a rear cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump of FIG. 14A. In
the embodiment, the first air pump 12 includes the cover plate 126, the second insulation
plate 1242, the conducting plate 125, the first insulation plate 1241, the piezoelectric
actuator 123 and the resonance plate 122 stacked on each other sequentially. The first
air pump 12 has the similar structures, elements and configurations as those of the
above embodiments and is not redundantly described herein. In the embodiment, the
first air pump 12 further includes an inlet plate 121. The inlet plate 121 is aligned
with the resonance plate 122 and stacked thereon. The inlet plate 121 includes a first
surface 121a, a second surface 121b and at least one inlet 1210. In the embodiment,
the inlet plate 121 has four inlets 1210, but not limited thereto. The inlets 1210
runs through the first surface 121a and the second surface 121b, so that the air is
fed into the first air pump 12 through the at least one inlet 1210 in response to
the action of the atmospheric pressure. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14A, the inlet
plate 121 includes at least one convergence channel 1212 disposed on the second surface
121b and spatially corresponding to the at least one inlet 1210 on the first surface
121a of the inlet plate 121. There is a central cavity 1211 formed at the intersection
of those convergences channels 1212. The central cavity 1211 is in communication with
the convergence channels 1212. Thus, the air fed into the convergence channels 1212
through the at least one inlet 1210 can be converged and transferred to the central
cavity 1211, so as to converge the air at the central aperture 1220 of the resonance
plate 122 efficiently and transfer the air to the inner of the first air pump 12.
That is, the inlet plate 121 is integrally formed by the inlets 1210, the convergence
channels 1212 and the central cavity 1211, and a convergence chamber is formed corresponding
to the central cavity 1211 to store the air temporarily. In some embodiment, the material
of the inlet plate 121 can be for example but not limited to the stainless steel.
In other embodiments, the depth of the convergence chamber formed at the central cavity
1211 and the depth of those convergence channels 1212 can be, for example but not
limited to, equal. The resonance plate 122 can be made of for example but not limited
to a flexible material. Moreover, the resonance plate 122 has a central aperture 1220
corresponding to the central cavity 1211 on the second surface 121b of the inlet plate
121, so as to allow the air to flow downwardly. In other embodiments, the resonance
plate 122 can be made of for example but not limited to a copper material.
[0036] According to the above description, with the action of the first air pump 12, the
air is introduced into the inflatable shoe tongue 11 through the inflatable shoelace
10, so that the inflatable shoelace 10 is deflated and relaxed and the inside of the
inflatable tongue 11 is expanded due to the inflated air to protrude outwardly. Thus,
the openings 24 and the wear space 23 of the sports shoe 2 are expanded to aid the
user to wear or take off the sports shoe 2 easily. In addition, the structure of the
second air pump 12' of the present disclosure is similar to that of the first air
pump 12, and is not be redundantly described herein. With the second air pump 12'
to pump the air from the inflatable shoe tongue 11 to the airbag 14, the inflatable
shoelace 10 can be inflated and tightened and the air in the inflatable shoe tongue
11 can be deflated to shrink inwardly. Thus, the opening 24 and the wear space 23
of the sports shoe 2 are reduced, so as to fix the user's foot within the sports shoe
2 firmly.
[0037] In summary, the present disclosure provides a pressure fixing device applied to a
shoe. The weight sensor is utilized to detect the pressure of weight to confirm that
the user is wearing or the taking-off the shoe. The control module enables the first
air pump or the second air pump. When the user is wearing the shoe, the inflatable
shoe tongue can be controlled to be deflated and shrunk inwardly and the inflatable
shoelace can be controlled to be inflated and tightened, so as to fix the user's foot
firmly. When the user is taking off the shoe, the inflatable shoe tongue can be controlled
to be inflated and expanded outwardly and the inflatable shoelace can be controlled
to be deflated and loosened, so as to aid the user to wear or take off easily. In
addition, the pressure fixing device further has the function of adjusting the pressure.
With the first and second air pressure sensors to detect the internal pressure of
the inflatable shoe tongue and the inflatable shoelace, and the inlet valve to supplement
the air when the internal pressure is insufficient, the control module can maintain
the internal pressure in a specific range. It avoids the discomfort of the foot due
to the over-inflation of the inflatable shoe tongue and the inflatable shoelace or
the airbag burst, and provide a more comfortable pressure for the user to wear.
1. A pressure fixing device (1) applied to a shoe (2), wherein the shoe (2) comprises
a shoe body (21) and a bottom part (22), the shoe body (21) comprises plural eyelets
(21a) and the bottom part (22) is connected to the shoe body (21) to define a wear
space (23) collaboratively, the pressure fixing device (1) comprising:
an inflatable shoe tongue (11) connected with the shoe body (21), wherein the inflatable
shoe tongue (11) is an inflatable and expandable structure with an air, an opening
(24) is collaboratively defined by the inflatable shoe tongue (11) and the shoe body
(21), and the opening (24) is in communication with the wear space (23);
a first air pump (12) in communication with the inflatable shoe tongue (11); and
a control module (15) electrically connected to the first air pump (12);
wherein the control module (15) drives the air flowing out of the inflatable shoe
tongue (11) according to a second enabling signal so that the inflatable shoe tongue
(11) shrinks in a first direction toward the wear space (23) to attach to an user's
instep, and the control module (15) drives the first air pump (12) to pump the air
flowing into the inflatable shoe tongue (11) according to a first enabling signal,
so that the inflatable shoe tongue (11) expands and bulges in a second direction away
from the wear space (23) to enlarge the opening (24).
2. The pressure fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable shoe tongue
(11) comprises an outer surface (11c) having plural protrusions (11a) protruding outwardly,
and a gap (11b) is disposed each two adjacent protrusions (11a), so that the plural
protrusions (11a) are expanded in the second direction to protrude outwardly to make
the inflatable shoe tongue (11) to protrude away from the wear space (23).
3. The pressure fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable shoe tongue
(11) further comprises an outer airbag (111), an inner airbag (112) and a two-way
valve (113), wherein the outer airbag (111) comprises an outer surface (111c) having
plural protrusions (111a) protruding outwardly, and a gap (111b) is disposed between
each two adjacent protrusions (111a) of the outer airbag (111), wherein the inner
airbag (112) comprises an inner surface (112c) having plural protrusions (112a) protruding
inwardly, and a gap (112b) is disposed between each two adjacent protrusions (112a)
of the inner airbag (112), and wherein the two-way valve (113) is a two-way air intake
structure and in communication between the outer airbag (111) and the inner airbag
(112), so that the plural protrusions (111a) of the outer airbag (111) are expanded
in the second direction to protrude outwardly to move the inflatable shoe tongue (11)
away from the wear space (23) by introducing the air to the outer airbag (111) through
the two-way valve (113), and the plural protrusions (112a) of the inner airbag (112)
are expanded in the first direction to protrude inwardly to move the inflatable shoe
tongue (11) to shrink toward the wear space (23) by introducing the air to the inner
airbag (112) through the two-way valve (113).
4. The pressure fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure fixing device
(1) further comprises a first air pressure sensor, and the first air pressure sensor
is disposed within the inflatable shoe tongue (11) and electrically connected with
the control module (15), wherein when the first air pressure sensor detects that the
inflatable shoe tongue (11) has an internal pressure higher than a specific threshold
interval, the first air pressure sensor sends a first disabling signal to the control
module (15) and the control module (15) disables the first air pump (12) to stop operating
according to the first disabling signal.
5. The pressure fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure fixing device
(1) further comprises:
an inflatable shoelace (10), wherein the inflatable shoelace (10) is an inflatable
and expandable structure, and the inflatable shoelace (10) runs through the plural
eyelets (21a) of the shoe body (21);
an airbag (14) attached to an outer surface (11c) of the inflatable shoe tongue (11)
and in communication with the inflatable shoe tongue (11);
a first air passage (13a) and a second air passage (13b) in communication between
the airbag (14) and the inflatable shoelace (10), respectively, wherein the first
air pump (12) disposed within the first air passage (13a); and
a second air pump (12') disposed within the second air passage (13b) and electrically
connected with the control module (15);
wherein the control module (15) enables the second air pump (12') according to the
second enabling signal to pump the air flowing from the inflatable shoe tongue (11)
to the inflatable shoelace (10) through the second air passage (13b), so that the
inflatable shoe tongue (11) shrinks in the first direction toward the wear space (23)
and the inflatable shoelace (10) is inflated with the air for expansion to tighten
to attach to the user's instep; and the control module (15) enables the first air
pump (12) according to the first enabling signal to pump the air flowing from the
inflatable shoelace (10) through the first air passage (13a) into the airbag (14)
and the inflatable shoe tongue (11), so that the inflatable shoelace (10) is deflated
and loosened and the inflatable shoe tongue (11) is inflated with the air for expansion
and protrudes in the second direction away from the wear space (23) to enlarge the
opening (24), thereby aiding an user to wear the shoe (2).
6. The pressure fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the pressure fixing device
(1) further comprises a switch (17), and the switch (17) is electrically connected
to the control module (15), wherein while the switch (17) is turned on, the switch
(15) sends the second enabling signal to the control module (15); and while the switch
(17) is turned off, the switch (17) sends the first enabling signal to the control
module (15).
7. The pressure fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the pressure fixing device
(1) further comprises a weight sensor (17'), and the weight sensor (17') is disposed
on the bottom part (22) of the shoe (2), wherein when the weight sensor (17') detects
that the bottom part (22) of the shoe (2) is pressed, the weight sensor (17') sends
the second enabling signal to the control module (15).
8. The pressure fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the pressure fixing device
(1) further comprises a first air pressure sensor, and the first air pressure sensor
is disposed within the inflatable shoe tongue (11) and electrically connected with
the control module (15), wherein when the first air pressure sensor detects that the
inflatable shoe tongue (11) has an internal pressure higher than a specific threshold
interval, the first air pressure sensor sends a first disabling signal to the control
module (15) and the control module (15) disables the first air pump (12) to stop operating
according to the first disabling signal, and wherein the pressure fixing device (1)
further comprises a second air pressure sensor, and the second air pressure sensor
is disposed within the inflatable shoelace (10), wherein when the second air pressure
sensor detects that the inflatable shoelace (10) has an internal pressure higher than
the specific threshold interval, the second air pressure sensor sends a second disabling
signal to the control module (15) and the control module (15) disables the second
air pump (12') to stop operating according to the second disabling signal.
9. The pressure fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the pressure fixing device
(1) further comprises an inlet valve embedded in the outer surface (11c) of the inflatable
shoe tongue (11) and electrically connected to the control module (15), wherein when
the first air pressure sensor or the second air pressure sensor detects that the internal
pressure of the inflatable shoe tongue (11) or the inflatable shoelace (10) is lower
than the specific threshold interval, the first air pressure sensor or the second
air pressure sensor sends a gas-filling signal to the control module, thereby driving
the inlet valve to introduce the air to the inflatable shoe tongue (11) or the inflatable
shoelace (10).
10. The pressure fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the inflatable shoelace (10)
further comprises at least one lacing part (10a) and at least one connecting part
(10b), and the at least one lacing part (10a) comprises two though holes (10e) disposed
on two ends thereof, respectively, wherein the at least one lacing part (10a) and
the at least one connecting part (10b) are in communication with each other via the
through holes (10e).
11. The pressure fixing device according to claim 10, wherein the lacing part (10a) further
comprises plural expandable sections (10f) and plural communication sections (10g),
wherein each of the plural communication sections (10g) is connected between two adjacent
expandable sections (10f) to define plural gaps (10h) between two adjacent expandable
sections (10f), respectively.
12. The pressure fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the first air pump (12) is
a piezoelectric air pump, and the piezoelectric air pump comprises:
a resonance plate (122) comprising a central aperture (1220) and a movable part, wherein
the movable part is disposed around the central aperture (1220);
a piezoelectric actuator (123) spatially corresponding to the resonance plate (122);
and
a cover plate (126) comprising at least one sidewall (1261), a bottom plate (1262)
and an opening portion (1263), wherein the at least one sidewall (1261) surrounds
and protrudes vertically from a periphery of the bottom plate (1262) and an accommodation
space (126a) is defined by the bottom plate (1262) and the at least one sidewall (1261)
collaboratively, wherein the resonance plate (122) and the piezoelectric actuator
(123) are accommodated within the accommodation space (126a), and the opening portion
(1263) is disposed on the sidewall (1261);
wherein a chamber (127b) is formed between the resonance plate (122) and the piezoelectric
actuator (123) spaced apart by a gap (g0), wherein while the piezoelectric actuator
(123) is enabled, the air is introduced into the opening portion (1263) of the cover
plate (126) and transferred to the chamber (127b) through the central aperture (1220)
of the resonance plate (122), so that the movable part of the resonance plate (122)
is reciprocated along with the piezoelectric actuator (123) to generate a resonance
air flowing.
13. The pressure fixing device according to claim 12, wherein the piezoelectric actuator
comprises:
a suspension plate (1231) having a first surface (1231a) and a second surface (1231b),
wherein the suspension plate (1231) is permitted to undergo a bending vibration;
an outer frame (1232) arranged outside around the suspension plate (1231);
at least one bracket (1232a) connected between the suspension plate (1231) and the
outer frame (1232) for elastically supporting the suspension plate (1231); and
a piezoelectric element (1233), wherein a length of a side of the piezoelectric element
(1233) is smaller than or equal to a length of a side of the suspension plate (1231),
and the piezoelectric element (1233) is attached on the first surface (1231a) of the
suspension plate (1231), wherein when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element
(1233), the suspension plate (1231) is driven to undergo the bending vibration.
14. The pressure fixing device according to claim 13, wherein the suspension plate (1231)
is a square suspension plate with a bulge (1231e), wherein the piezoelectric air pump
further comprises a conducting plate (125), a first insulation plate (1241) and a
second insulation plate (1242), wherein the resonance plate (122), the piezoelectric
actuator (123), the first insulation plate (1241), the conducting plate (125), the
second insulation plate (1242) and the cover plate (126) are stacked on each other
sequentially.
15. The pressure fixing device according to claim 13, wherein the piezoelectric actuator
further comprises an inlet plate (121), and the inlet plate (121) is aligned with
the resonance plate (122) and stacked thereon, wherein the inlet plate (121) comprises
a first surface (121a), a second surface (121b), at least one inlet (1210), a central
cavity (1211) and at least one convergence channel (1212), wherein the at least one
inlet (1210) runs through the first surface (121a) and the second surface (121b),
the at least one convergence channel (1212) is formed on the second surface (121b)
and in communication with the at least one inlet (1210), the central cavity (1211)
is formed on the second surface (121b) and corresponding to the central aperture (1220)
of the resonance plate (122), and the central cavity (1211) and the at least one convergence
channel (1210) are communicated with each other, wherein after the air is introduced
into the at least one inlet (1210), the air is converged and transferred to the central
cavity (1211) through the at least one convergence channel (1210), so as to transfer
the air into the central aperture (1220) of the resonance plate (122).